Bruce Campbell “Giovanni’s Dream”, 2021, Brass and Wood Sculpture

The inspiration for “Giovanni’s Dream” came from a painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Giovanni di Paolo called “Expulsion from Paradise,” painted in 1445. At that time it was thought that the earth was the center of the universe and on the left side of the painting the artist shows a diagram of the universe with the earth at the center. There are a number of concentric rings expanding outward representing the four classical elements: earth, water, air, and fire. The outer rings show the signs of the Zodiac.

In this sculpture, the 4 rings encompassed by 2 larger partial rings set at 90 degrees to each other. These “contain” the inner rings and represent everything beyond our planets. In di Paolo’s times, they could represent the zodiac or even their idea of “heaven.” The rings move at different speeds but in the same direction. This can be clockwise or counterclockwise depending on how you turn the crank.

“Giovanni’s Dream” is an homage to the work of early scientists and thinkers, upon whose efforts, the modern era, including today’s communications sector, was built. Following an exhibition at the National Arts Club, “Giovanni’s Dream” wa acquired by the Museum of Summit ridge Group in 2022.